- Recommended
Barnstaple Museum
Local museum on the square covering North Devon history, archaeology and everyday life in an accessible town-centre setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Barnstaple
Showing times and prices for 28 Aug
Cheapest price
£54
Average price
£56
Fastest journey
3 h 24 m
Average duration
3 h 39 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
219 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Barnstaple is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Barnstaple will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £54.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Reading for Barnstaple every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 219 km distance in an average of 3 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 24 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 56 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
16:083h24Reading19:32Barnstaple£541One-way0 changes- 11:293h56Reading15:25Barnstaple£561One-way0 changes
- 20:283h38Reading0:06Barnstaple£571One-way0 changes
- 16:083h24Reading19:32Barnstaple£541One-way0 changes
- 20:283h38Reading0:06Barnstaple£571One-way0 changes
- 11:293h56Reading15:25Barnstaple£561One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Reading to Barnstaple
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Barnstaple among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £65. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £65, and a train costs an average of £159.
Distance: 219 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£164 Average Price | £66 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 31m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Reading to Barnstaple train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Barnstaple trains for today, Thursday 27 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19:31 Reading | 3h06 | 22:37 Barnstaple | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 28 August | |||||
| 11:29 Reading | 3h56 | 15:25 Barnstaple | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Barnstaple by coach or train
Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
03 Sept
Why should you book Reading to Barnstaple trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Reading to Barnstaple.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Barnstaple.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Barnstaple.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Barnstaple.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Barnstaple.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Barnstaple
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Barnstaple run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £159 but you can travel from only £65 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:49, the last at 23:11. The fastest train covers the 219 km distance in 2h 54m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £65
Distance 219 km |
Average train duration 3h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £159 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 54m |
First train 0:49 |
Last train 23:11 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £65
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Reading to Barnstaple trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Reading and Barnstaple from £65. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 6m
Cheapest Price
£54
Great Western Railway frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 54m
Cheapest Price
£159
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Barnstaple
Things to do in Barnstaple
Discover the best of Barnstaple — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barnstaple trip today.
- Recommended
The Burton at Bideford
Contemporary art gallery inside The Burton, showing changing exhibitions and craft-focused displays in a central modern venue.
Barnstaple Railway Museum
Family-focused heritage attraction with model railways, transport displays and interactive exhibits linked to local engineering history.
- Must visit
Tarka Trail
Long traffic-free walking and cycling route on a former railway line, linking Barnstaple with estuary scenery and nearby villages.
- Recommended
Rock Park
Riverside park with gardens, play areas and open lawns, popular for relaxed walks beside the River Taw near the town centre.
- Recommended
Butchers Row
Historic shopping street with period buildings, independent shops and a strong sense of Barnstaple’s traditional market-town character.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
A rich Devon cream tea of scones, clotted cream and jam. In Devon tradition, cream goes on before jam, making it a local point of pride.
Devon Splits
Small sweet buns flavoured with dried fruit, lemon and spice. Traditionally eaten in Devon around festivals and with tea.
- Gluten-free
Kedgeree
A lightly curried rice dish with fish, often smoked haddock, plus eggs and butter. Popular across Devon as a hearty seaside supper.
Claytons & The Glasshouse
Popular Turkish restaurant known for grilled meats, meze and warm service. Lively yet comfortable for casual dinners in town.
62 The Bank + Bar + Bistro
Established town-centre bistro serving British and European dishes in a relaxed, polished setting. Good for lunch or an easy evening meal.
Giovanni's & Luca's
Long-running Italian restaurant with pizzas, pasta and classic mains. Friendly, dependable and suited to families and groups.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining cost less than in major tourist cities, while local buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- >£2.00 cap
To the city centre
Barnstaple railway station -> Barnstaple Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local buses in Barnstaple are Stagecoach services; the Stagecoach Bus app is the official tool for tickets, live tracking and journey planning.
- The official capped single fare shown by Stagecoach is £2.00, and contactless payment is generally available on Stagecoach buses.
FAQs: Reading to Barnstaple train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Barnstaple by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Barnstaple, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Barnstaple can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £159, while the average price tends to be around £164.
The train journey from Reading to Barnstaple covers a distance of 219 km and takes approximately 2h 54m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Barnstaple is 219 km.
The first train from Reading to Barnstaple leaves at 0:49.
The last train from Reading to Barnstaple departs at 23:11.
Trains from Reading to Barnstaple run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Barnstaple.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Barnstaple.
To get from Reading to Barnstaple, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Reading to Barnstaple.
The train station in Reading that goes to Barnstaple is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Barnstaple station (BNP).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Barnstaple is by coach, costing approximately £65.
Booking trains from Reading to Barnstaple in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Reading to Barnstaple is scenic, offering views of the Berkshire countryside, the rolling hills of Somerset, and the picturesque landscapes of Devon.
A day trip from Reading to Barnstaple is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 54m each way. However, there are 4 trains available per day.
A visit to Barnstaple can typically be enjoyed over 2 to 3 days, giving you enough time to explore the town's historic centre, visit the Pannier Market, and enjoy the nearby countryside and coast.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Barnstaple.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Barnstaple
Most Reading to Barnstaple trains use the Reading to Barnstaple station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Barnstaple train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Barnstaple
Which Reading station do trains to Barnstaple leave from?
Trains from Reading to Barnstaple leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PY
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · £2 · every ~49 min
Reading West train station facilities and services
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Barnstaple station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Barnstaple arrive at Barnstaple. Barnstaple is 1 km from Barnstaple city centre.
BarnstapleBarnstaple station, Station Road, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 2AU+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Barnstaple from Barnstaple city centre
Bus21, 21A, 372, 301, 71, 72, 319, 155, 15, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19, 5B, 85 · 5m · £2 · every ~31 min
301, 921, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19 · 9m · £2 · every ~14 min
Barnstaple train station facilities and services
Barnstaple has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Station Masters Cafe
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Barnstaple: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Barnstaple: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - step free access available to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Reading to Barnstaple
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Barnstaple and Reading
Most popular train connections to Barnstaple
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